Challenge 1: Think

Dear scientists, 

Mr Walterman's boat has been wrecked by the flood and strong winds.He needs to get home but he needs your help in building another boat.

Could you design and and select suitable materials to build a boat for him for travel? Do be mindful that Mr Walterman's boat has to stay afloat in water and withstand strong winds.

                            

Click on the video above and watch how Ms Usha has created an object made of different materials to stay afloat on water.  Do you think it is creative?

Can you think of other materials and their physical material properties that could affect the boat's function?

Think and brainstorm with your group members on which type of materials you would select to enable the boat to function well ensuring that it fits the two criteria (a) To stay afloat on water (b) Able to withstand strong winds. (Click on the home page to view the materials that would be provided)

Use the Materials Concept Map that you have done last week to guide and help you with your group's selection. Recall the various material tests you have conducted last week and apply your knowledge on materials properties to solve Mr Walterman's problem.

Figure 1: Concept Map on Materials and their Properties

Image of students taken courtesy of Google Images.